Ajanta: History and Development: The End of the Golden Age Volume 1

Spink (emeritus history, U. of Michigan-Ann Arbor) argues that the Golden Age of India did not fade away with the decline of the Gupta dynasty in the late fifth and sixth centuries, but it found its apogee under the Vakataka emperor Harisena, who came to power in central India in 460, and ended abruptly after his death in 477. His story pivots on the devotional complex in 29 Buddhist caves created by the Vakatakas near the ancient town of Anjanta. This first volume traces the end of the dynasty and the collapse of the complex. He does not mention how many volumes he plans for the series, but the maps, photographs, index, Sanskrit glossary, and bibliography will appear in the final one. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)